Soon to be starting insulin

[markcunn2]

My GP has told me that I have run out of time on Byetta injections and will start me in May on insulin (think he said Novomix). I've tried to avoid insulin, but have accepted that I need to move onto it now to avoid kidney damage.

Done some research on insulin on Google, and all of the results are talking about pumps. I was under the impression that insulin came much like Byetta, in a pre filled pen which I attach a needle to and inject. Is the pump for those who have trouble injecting, or have I totally misunderstood insulin?

Also, am I right in assuming that obviously I will stop Byetta injections, but carry on with Gliclazide and Metformin? As GP says, get blood sugar down first then any weight gain from insulin can be tackled after.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. I started insulin 6 weeks ago as tablets were no longer working. Although some people have pumps I think I'm right in saying they aren't yet very common and mainly used by T1s. I have an injecting pen probably very similar to the Byetta one and I would expect you to be similar the pens can be cartridge re-filled or disposable. I was offered a choice of either type and went for the Novopen 4 cartridge re-filled. I am continuing all my three tablets having checked with the nurse. I think some of these are now questionable but I read some research recently which indicated that insulin can be more effective with Metformin and not just for insulin resistance reasons. I suspect my Gliclazide and Sitagliptin are a waste of time as there is little point in prodding non-existent beta cells? BTW there are two main insulin regimes i.e. Basal/Bolus and mix. The latter mix type saves multiple injections but it may take a while to get the mix right. Basal/Bolus is more flexible but needs two pens etc. I'm on just Basal currently once-a-day.

 

[markcunn2]

Thanks for the reply. Just trying to get an idea of what it will be like, my grandad who is diabetic doesn't have insulin so can't ask him.